Big game atmosphere hits Happy Valley

October 23, 2012|Reuters

The Sports Xchange

NCAAF Team Report - Penn State - INSIDE SLANT

When Penn State was handed debilitating sanctions by NCAA this summer, and again when it dropped its first two games of the season, few thought the Nittany Lions would ever play a game of such magnitude as that of this Saturday's showdown.

But here they are anyway.

A capacity crowd is expected when Penn State (5-2, 3-0 Big Ten) hosts another postseason-ineligible team, undefeated Ohio State (8-0, 4-0) in Beaver Stadium. Players are calling it the biggest game of the season and, though it will have no outcome on the Big Ten championship race, has that kind of feel to it.

"These are the kind of games you dream to play in," fullback Michael Zordich said. "But we also feel like we've worked to get here. We feel like we've earned this spot and looking forward to playing in it."

Penn State coach Bill O'Brien, who is turning heads across the country with his prolific up-tempo offense and frequent willingness to keep his offense on the field for four downs, will coach his first game against the Buckeyes. He seemed more hesitant to place any added importance on the game this week but, judging by comments he made during the summer, understands the intensity and importance of the rivalry with Ohio State, which leads the overall series 14-13.

"Every game we play is a very important game at Penn State," O'Brien said. "And I would say that for every team. ? This year we only get to lay it on the line 12 times. Every game is a big game. The Big Ten is just a tremendous conference. We're playing probably the best team in the Big Ten this week."

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NCAAF Team Report - Penn State - NOTES, QUOTES

--Both Penn State and Ohio State enter Saturday night's contest ineligible for postseason play this year. They're two of three Big Ten teams undefeated in conference play this season.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: Penn State is playing as well as it has all season in terms of running the football and throwing it. Bill Belton's nagging ankle injury has healed, giving the Nittany Lions speed and quickness at running back to complement the powerful, straight-ahead style of Zach Zwinak. Quarterback Matt McGloin continues to make big plays downfield to wide receiver Allen Robinson and tight end Kyle Carter as Bill O'Brien gets them open in a number of ways, and Penn State's offensive line, which rotates up to nine players with the first-team unit, has improved by the week.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The Nittany Lion defense held Iowa to just 20 yards rushing and makes it difficult for opponents to get anything going on the ground. The pass rush has been solid without needing many blitzes by the linebackers, and the secondary, though still vulnerable to the occasional big play, has been much better on third downs. Penn State's defense has been particularly stingy early in games; the Nittany Lions have yet to allow a first-quarter touchdown and have given up just two first-half touchdowns in seven games.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "He wants to win and he wants to win now. There was no coming in and just getting your feet wet and trying to work into things. He brought in a game plan and what he wanted to do with this program, and he's done everything that he's wanted to do." -- Penn State defensive tackle Jordan Hill on the impact of first-year head coach Bill O'Brien.

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NCAAF Team Report - Penn State - STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

THIS WEEK'S GAME: Ohio State at Penn State, Oct. 27 -- Two teams undefeated in conference play but ineligible to win the Big Ten championship meet in a primetime, intra-state showdown. First-year coaches Bill O'Brien and Urban Meyer have brought prolific offenses to their respective teams, which could lead to a shootout.

KEYS TO THE GAME: Penn State needs to keep dual-threat quarterback Braxton Miller in the pocket and limit the amount of times he goes deep to Devin Smith. The Nittany Lions will look to establish the run to control the clock but should have opportunities to throw the ball against a shaky Ohio State pass defense. Penn State must play with more consistency on special teams than it has the past few weeks.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

CB Adrian Amos -- Teams have had little success this season against the physical sophomore, who also plays safety in third down situations. Ohio State will test him with wide receivers Devin Smith and Corey Brown.

TE Kyle Carter -- The 6-foot-3 redshirt freshman has been a nightmare for opposing defenses, catching passes all over the field. He's been Matt McGloin's second-favorite target behind wideout Allen Robinson and is on pace to shatter the school's single-season reception record by a tight end.

LB Michael Mauti -- Penn State's leading tackler and emotional compass will undoubtedly have his teammates jacked up for his final game with Ohio State, especially considering he missed all but one quarter of his last two games against the Buckeyes with injuries.

ROSTER REPORT

--LB Nyeem Wartman, who hasn't played since the second game of the season due to a knee injury, was not listed on the team's injury report this week.

--LT Donovan Smith will likely play his third straight game with a cast on his broken right hand.